Cole refuses to give up title bid
05.05.2008 16:20
- category: World News
: BBC News
- Source:
BBC News
Venue: St James' Park Date: Monday, 5 May Kick-off: 1600 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live
Joe Cole is determined to take the title race to the final day of the season with victory over Newcastle. Chelsea travel to St James' Park on Monday afternoon knowing that defeat will effectively hand the Premier League trophy to Manchester United.
"This year we will keep going and we want to take it to the last day," said the 26-year-old Chelsea midfielder.
"If we can win and take it to the last Sunday then it is squeaky bum time as the famous man once said."
The phrase was once used by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to describe the title run-in and Cole is confident he can get back to his best to push Chelsea's title rivals all the way.
"I have played a lot of football and my last few games I haven't been at my best - but I want to come back to my best in this game and get the points," the England international said.
The Blues have enjoyed more success on their travels this season than either Man Utd or third-placed Arsenal.
Their hopes of overhauling United at the top rely on them claiming at least another away point at Newcastle, but they will face a tough task against Kevin Keegan's side who are unbeaten in seven games.
Despite that, Cole is confident Chelsea can come away with a win.
"We have good resilience and we find it easy to play when teams come out at us," he said.
"Hopefully with the position Newcastle are in, they will come at us and it will be a high-scoring game and another three points for us.
"In front of their own fans they are going to want to play and there are a couple of old Man United players in there who are going want to do their old mates some favours - but we just have to keep going and get the job done."
One of those former United players is Nicky Butt who said he would love to see his old club beat Chelsea to the title.
"I'm a great believer in playing football the right way," said the 33-year-old.
"I'm not saying Chelsea don't, but it's more attractive to the eye watching United games.
"Football is about not losing and Chelsea have become masters at that. Obviously I'd love United to win it and it would be more of a highlight for the football purist if they did."
Newcastle boss Keegan, meanwhile, believes the performances of Chelsea and United, both at home and abroad this season, highlights the strength of the Premier League.
He said: "They are two great teams who have ended up pitting their wits against each other not just for the championship, but also for the Champions League in far-away Moscow.
"It just underlines that the league we are playing in is a strong, strong league.
"It has been an incredible season and just enhances the Premier League we play in. It just makes everybody feel maybe it's not that bad to finish 10th in this league or 12th as we might finish. It gives you a little bit of a boost."
Original text is here
www.free-voipservice.net
Add comment
